Startup Growth Story ft. Naagin Sauce - Home of Original Indian Hot Sauce

Naagin Sauce brings you the first truly Indian hot sauce, made for Indian taste buds, with a curated blend of high-quality, ethically sauced ingredients.

We were joined by Mikhel Rajani, Co-Founder, Naagin Sauce for the Startup Growth Panel focused on Rising Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) brands in India.

Mikhel Rajani is a Co-Founder at Naagin Sauce, India's first hot sauce brand, he has a decade-long experience in the F&B industry including stints in Hong Kong & Italy.

He opened his first restaurant in 2012 – Francesco’s Pizzeria – now one of Mumbai’s iconic gourmet pizza chains and has a national record for delivering the world's first pizza by drone. 

You can watch the fun Startup Growth Panel with Mikhel and other founders of awesome Rising DTC Brands in India - Suraj Vazirani (The Beauty Co.), Vinay Kothari (GO DESi) and Nilisha Ferrao (Narla).

https://youtu.be/GdGZjfZPWnc

It was a super fun chat where we discussed their founding stories, early days, what worked for them, technology stack, key learnings, building brands, and advice for early-stage founders. 

Startup Stream

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

"I attended my first eChai event 3 yrs back, and no one knew me in the market. Over the next three years, eChai didn’t only help me with knowledge or networking, but it gave me an identity from being unknown to now being recognized by a group of inspirational entrepreneurs connected with eChai, who have been gracious enough to acknowledge me and Digipple."
Viraj Rajani - Co-Founder, Digipple
Viraj Rajani
Co-Founder, Digipple
“When we launched LegalWiz.in back in 2016, concept of procuring legal and compliance services through a digital commerce platform wasn't as prominent in India. eChai played a significant role in providing the early adopters, and building significant positioning in the startup fraternity. Overtime, eChai grew to be a massive network of like-minded entrepreneurs and extended that benefit to all the members in a true "co-rise" spirit. I personally love to attend eChai events, learn from subject matter experts who share relatable and actionable insights and experiences. For startup journeys, it is so important to be surrounded by people who can add relevance, perspective, and push you to do better. Most importantly a group of people where you aren't being judged about things going right or wrong, but be a motivational force that keeps you going, yet keeping you in check. eChai is that place for me!”
Shrijay Sheth - Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting
Shrijay Sheth
Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting
“eChai has been that turning point in my journey. It gave me a platform when I wasn’t looking for visibility but needed direction. Over the years, it became more than just a network. It became my tribe; a place where conversations sparked collaborations, and strangers became trusted sounding boards. What I value most is how effortlessly eChai brings people together - no airs, no filters, just genuine people with shared dreams. I owe a lot to this community and to Jatin, whose consistency and belief in people have shaped journeys like mine. Forever grateful to be part of something so real.”
Rushabh Shah - Managing Partner - STIR Advisors
Rushabh Shah
Managing Partner - STIR Advisors

eChai Partner Brands

eChai Ventures partners with select brands as their growth partner - working together to explore new ideas, open doors, and build momentum across the startup ecosystem.